Our heroes found themselves deep in the mystery as Isaac investigated the ominous bones. Although he couldn’t identify much, he did uncover symbols on the remains resembling those of the Bringers of Woe. As Isaac returned, one of the knights questioned his lateness. After a brief conversation, the knight let him go but then called Commander Thurl aside.
As Isaac rejoined his companions, Thurl approached him and requested a private word. Thurl took him to his quarters and spoke of what Isaac had seen and discussed his knighthood. Gaining Thurl’s trust, Isaac was assured that he could call upon the commander if ever in need.
Meanwhile, Yurian, feeling claustrophobic and mistrustful, attempted to leave. Learning that the drawbridge was raised heightened his anxiety. Finding Isaac, the two made their way to the roof. Yurian spent some time looking through a spyglass but could see little due to the fog.
Determined to investigate the commander’s room, Yurian asked Isaac to create a distraction. However, impatient, Yurian put his plan into action before Isaac could react. Yurian stumbled into a light, trying to extinguish it, but was caught by a knight. Yurian tried to fabricate a tale, but the knight was unconvinced.
The situation escalated to a planned duel to the death, but first, Yurian informed Thurl that one of his men was going to die. When Thurl inquired why, he offered to take his man’s place. Yurian stated that Thurl had not questioned his honor; however, Thurl retorted that if his men questioned Yurian’s honor, then he did as well.
Concerned for Yurian’s safety, the group deliberated. Zonga offered to join the knights in exchange for Yurian’s safety. After some persuasion, Thurl agreed to let Yurian go if the group took on a mission: to defeat the evildoers at the Sacred Stone Monastery. Our heroes consented and spent the night at Feathergale Spire.
In the morning, Thurl questioned the heroes, asking if any had touched the spyglass. They all denied it, and Thurl believed them.
Setting off, the heroes were ambushed by bandits demanding their treasure. Refusing to surrender, Zonga’s entangle spell immobilized a few bandits. The heroes struggled, especially against those in heavy earthen armor. Mitsui faced particular challenges as she climbed and a bandit followed. Though unable to hit the bandit, Mitsui cleverly redirected his strikes to make him hit himself. As his comrades fell, the remaining bandit, terrified of Mitsui, surrendered.
Interrogating the bandit, the heroes discovered he bore the same bringer of woe symbol and learned of the Black Earth. The bandit also claimed the Feathergale Knights were a cult known as the Howling Hatred. He revealed two leaders within the Black Earth: the prophet Marlos and a local leader Hellenrae.